Sept 4th, 2023: Deception

 

We have seen shrinkflation everywhere. Fast-food restaurants and grocery stores are prime examples. Consumers end up paying more and somehow don't experience the pain. The basic practice behind shrinkflation is deception. Everything looks the same except for the weights or volumes of the products we buy.

Deception has become a celebrated practice in our time. We see it in politics, business, and religious practices. It is not new and is one of the oldest forms of evil. Jesus had to deal with deception in various ways during his forty days of fasting in the desert.

The deception of overcoming hunger: The real test was Jesus' commitment to the Holy Scripture, not using His power to deny it.

The deception of having everything in this world: The real test was Jesus' unwavering loyalty to God.

The deception of pride by throwing Himself from the pinnacle of the temple: The real test was Jesus' refusal to test God.

The world will try to do anything to shrink the influence of God's people. Our governments are prime examples of that. They will do so in the name of various forms of deception. Don't trust in the promises of this world.

Matthew 4: 1-11